Senior benefits in Southampton County, Virginia

Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia is the Area Agency on Aging for Southampton County. It is the local starting point that connects older adults and caregivers to SSSEVA (PSA 20, Norfolk) provides home-delivered meals and senior-center nutrition, I-Ride transportation, in-home services, caregiver support, Medicare benefits counseling, wellness classes, and ombudsman services for adults 60+ across South Hampton Roads and Western Tidewater. Most services are for adults 60 and older; adults with disabilities may also qualify for some services. Call 1-757-461-9481 to get started.

Estimated service value: $500–$6,000 a year

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps income-eligible households in Southampton County pay heating and cooling bills, with crisis help for shut-offs and broken equipment. Apply during the program windows through the Southampton County Department of Social Services, online at CommonHelp, or by phone at 1-855-635-4370. Cooling Assistance requires a household member who is 60 or older, has a disability, or is a child under 6. Fuel Assistance applications are taken each fall and Cooling Assistance each summer, while funds last.

Estimated bill savings: $300–$1,000 a year

Uninsured and underinsured residents of Southampton County can apply for financial assistance (charity care) at Bon Secours Southampton Medical Center for emergency and medically necessary care. Discounts are based on household size and income compared with the Federal Poverty Level. In Franklin (adjacent independent city surrounded by Southampton County); formerly Southampton Memorial Hospital, acquired by Bon Secours in 2019. FAP: 100% assistance at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines; discounted rates for 201-400%.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Southampton County offers real estate tax relief (exemption) for homeowners who are 65 or older or permanently disabled. Total household income must be $40,300 or less, and net worth (not counting the home) must be $168,501 or less. Exemption program under Va. Code 58.1-3210. Owner must be 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled, on December 31 of the preceding year; first $6,500 of each non-spouse relative's income excluded; home plus up to one acre excluded from net worth. Apply with the Commissioner of the Revenue by March 1 of the taxable year. Apply through the local commissioner of the revenue or assessment office.

Estimated bill savings: $200–$3,000 a year

I-Ride Transit (Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia) gives free door-to-door rides to anyone age 60 and over in Southampton County. Rides go to medical appointments, senior centers, adult day care, shopping, and other places within about a 30-minute drive. Vehicles have wheelchair lifts, and drivers help riders from the door to the vehicle. Rides run 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Book with the I-Ride app, online, or by calling 757-461-9481.

Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year